Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Summer Speakers, Hikes and Activities

Everett, Wash., June 14, 2013—Head out to the  Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest this summer and learn about local history, unique plants and animals, the best hikes, how to stay safe and mountain geology from guest speakers and interpretive rangers. Summer activities listed by travel corridor:
Mt. Loop Highway
Big 4 Picnic Area Programs
Each Friday and Sunday July 5 – Sept. 1
Interpretive Ranger led activities 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Campfire Stories; Life in the Mountains, July 6, 11 a.m.
Interpretive Ranger  Owen Couch
Lunch with Smokey Bear, July 6, 12 p.m.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Fire Crew
Gold Panning 101, July 13, 10 a.m.
Eras Gattshall, Everett Chapter Gold Prospectors Association
Stargazing at Big 4 Picnic Area, July 13, 9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
John Angell, Everett Astronomy Society
Sarvey Wildlife Birds of Prey, July 20, 10 a.m.
Sarvey Wildlife Center
Getting Out in the Woods Safely, June 27, 10 a.m.
Tim Denhoff, Snohomish County Search and Rescue
Campfire Stories; Life in the Mountains, Aug. 3, 10 a.m.
Interpretive Ranger, Owen Couch
Hiking Opportunities along the Mt. Loop Highway, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.
Edith Farrell, Mt. Loop Tourism Bureau
The Return of the Impact Monster! Aug. 10, 10 a.m.
Interpretive Rangers
High Tech History, Aug. 15, 8 p.m.
Fred Crueger, Granite Falls Historical Society
Cougar Ecology and Behavior in the Pacific Northwest, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.
Brian N. Kertson, Ph.D, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Tales of Trails Around the Darrington Ranger District, Aug. 22, 8 a.m.
Interpretive Ranger  Matthew Riggen
Weed Invasion in the Forest, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.
Sarah Callaghan, Forest Invasive Plant Specialist
Big 4 History Tour, Aug. 31, 10 a.m.
Interpretive Ranger Anissa Smilth
The Gold Basin Campground Amphitheater is two and a half miles east of Verlot Public Service Center on the Mt. Loop Highway. For more information call 360-691-7791.
 
Nooksack River Stewards Events
Campfire Talks: Douglas Fir Campground Highway 542, Saturdays 6 p.m.,  June 22 – Aug. 31,
Join the River Stewards on Saturday evenings to learn about salmon and stream ecology in the Nooksack River while snacking on smoked salmon, cream cheese and crackers around the campfire at the Douglas Fir Campground.
 
Noisy Waters: A Nooksack River Walk, Sundays 10 a.m., June 23 –Sept. 1,
Go for a walk up the Horseshoe Bend Trail and discover the vast aquatic mysteries of rivers and riparian zones. Learn about native plants, test the water quality and identify aquatic insects in the North Fork! Horseshoe Bend Trail–Travel east on the Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 two miles from the Glacier Public Service Center and cross the Nooksack River. The trailhead is on the right side (east) of the highway, across from the Douglas Fir Campground entrance.
All River Stewards events are family-friendly, free and no registration required. For more information contact Annitra Ferderer at 360-715-0283 x105.
 
Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass
 
Snoqualmie Pass summer programs June 29 – Sept. 1.
Learn about the history, flora and fauna of the cascades on easy hikes geared for all ages. Make reservations by calling 425-434-6111 between Thursdays and Sundays 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Programs for groups can be scheduled. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring a day pack containing sunscreen, water and extra clothing. Please leave pets at home. A $15 donation per person is suggested.
 
Gold Creek Pond, Saturdays, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Hike a one-mile trail around the lake and learn about the landscape history, plants, beavers, birds, ants, snakes, fish and other critters as requested. 90 minutes.

Twin Lakes, Sundays, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Hike a two-mile round trip to the lakes and back through dense old-growth forest and learn about the magnificent trees of the cascades, plants, wildlife and some unusual history of the area.